Hanuo ZF-1 Desktop Dual-Wavelength UV Transilluminator and Gel Cutter
| Brand | Hanuo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | ZF-1 |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Wavelength Options | 254 nm (short-wave UV) and 365 nm (long-wave UV) |
| UV Lamp Power | 6 W (254 nm), 6 W (365 nm) |
| Visible Light Power | 4 W |
| UV Filter Glass Dimensions | 200 × 50 mm |
| Compliance | CE-marked for laboratory use under IEC 61010-1 safety standards |
Overview
The Hanuo ZF-1 Desktop Dual-Wavelength UV Transilluminator and Gel Cutter is a compact, benchtop instrument engineered for reliable visualization, documentation, and precise excision of nucleic acid and protein bands in electrophoretic gels. It operates on the principle of ultraviolet-induced fluorescence—where nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA) intercalated with ethidium bromide (EtBr), SYBR® Safe, or other UV-active dyes emit visible light upon irradiation at specific UV wavelengths. The unit integrates two discrete UV emission bands: 254 nm for high-sensitivity detection of native nucleic acids and aromatic compounds, and 365 nm for reduced photodamage during prolonged exposure and safer handling of stained gels. A dedicated 4 W white-light module supports Coomassie- or silver-stained protein gel imaging without UV exposure, enabling multi-modal analysis in a single platform.
Key Features
- Benchtop form factor with integrated safety shield and foldable hinged lid—designed to minimize UV leakage and comply with occupational exposure limits per ACGIH TLV® guidelines.
- Dual-wavelength UV excitation: independently controlled 254 nm (6 W) and 365 nm (6 W) low-pressure mercury lamps, each with optimized spectral output and thermal stability over extended operation cycles.
- High-transmission UV filter glass (200 × 50 mm) fabricated from precision-ground optical-grade fused silica, offering >90% transmission at target wavelengths and minimal autofluorescence background.
- Dedicated visible-light illumination (4 W, 6500 K CCT) for non-destructive documentation of protein gels, blot membranes, and colorimetric assays—eliminating need for secondary imaging systems.
- Robust aluminum chassis with passive heat dissipation; no forced-air cooling required—ensuring silent, vibration-free operation compatible with sensitive downstream workflows such as gel extraction and cloning.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ZF-1 accommodates standard horizontal electrophoresis gels (up to 15 × 15 cm), including agarose (0.5–3.0%), polyacrylamide (8–20%), and gradient gels. It supports common fluorescent dyes (EtBr, GelRed®, SYBR® Gold, Fast-Safe™) and chemiluminescent substrates when used with optional reflective backplates. All electrical and optical components meet IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety, and the housing conforms to IP20 ingress protection. While not certified for GMP/GLP environments out-of-the-box, the device is routinely deployed in academic core facilities, QC labs, and R&D settings where adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 method validation protocols is maintained through user-defined SOPs.
Software & Data Management
As a hardware-only transilluminator, the ZF-1 does not include embedded software or digital imaging capability. It is fully compatible with third-party gel documentation systems—including ChemiDoc™ MP, Azure c600, and UVP BioSpectrum®—via standard C-mount or F-mount adapters (sold separately). When paired with compliant imaging platforms, data acquisition may be configured to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (electronic signatures, audit trails) through host software validation packages. Raw image files (TIFF, PNG) are generated in accordance with MIAME-compliant metadata conventions when used in transcriptomic or proteomic workflows.
Applications
- Molecular biology: Rapid band localization and qualitative assessment of PCR products, restriction digests, and plasmid preparations; compatible with downstream gel purification and TA cloning.
- Clinical diagnostics: Visual confirmation of pathogen-specific amplicons in routine RT-PCR screening; supports WHO-recommended UV-based verification prior to sequencing submission.
- Pharmaceutical QA: Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate inspection for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) purity per USP and EP 2.2.27 guidelines; detects fluorescent impurities in steroid hormones and vitamin formulations.
- Food safety testing: Screening for aflatoxin B1 contamination in cereals and nuts using immunoaffinity column–UV coupling methods aligned with AOAC 993.02 and ISO 16050.
- Materials science: Identification of polymer additives (e.g., UV stabilizers, antioxidants) in synthetic rubber and textile fibers via characteristic fluorescence signatures under 254/365 nm excitation.
FAQ
Is the ZF-1 suitable for ethidium bromide–stained gels?
Yes—the 254 nm UV source provides optimal excitation for EtBr-DNA complexes, delivering strong signal-to-noise ratios at standard staining concentrations (0.5 µg/mL).
Can I use SYBR® Safe with this transilluminator?
Yes—SYBR® Safe exhibits peak excitation at ~280 nm and ~370 nm; the 365 nm lamp enables safer, lower-dose visualization with reduced DNA damage compared to 254 nm.
Does the unit include a camera or imaging software?
No—the ZF-1 is a standalone illumination system. Digital capture requires integration with an external CCD or CMOS camera and compatible acquisition software.
What safety certifications does the ZF-1 hold?
It complies with IEC 61010-1 (Edition 3.1) for electrical safety and carries CE marking for use within the European Economic Area under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD).
Is the UV filter glass replaceable?
Yes—filter assemblies are field-serviceable; replacement parts (PN: ZF-1-FG200x50) are available directly from Hanuo authorized distributors with traceable calibration documentation.
